Christ The King Free Lutheran

Sermon for Midweek Lent 1. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Psalm 23; 1 Corinthians 10:1-22; and Matthew 26:26-29.God says, “the life is in the blood” (Lev. 17:14). That means in the Lord’s Supper Jesus, the Son of God, gives you His Blood, God’s Blood, and God’s life – a life that that has conquered death and is eternal.

Sermon for the first Sunday in Lent. The Scripture readings are Genesis 3:1-24; Hebrews 4:14-16; and Matthew 4:1-11.The one play in the devil’s playbook is to get you to question God’s Word and start speculating that God is holding out on you. Dear saints, God does not and will not ever deny you anything that is good for you (Ps. 84:11).

Sermon for Ash Wednesday. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Jonah 3:1-10; 2 Peter 1:2-11; and Matthew 6:16-21.As we begin the season of Lent, you have something better than the preaching of Jonah. You have God’s sure and certain promise forever etched in the Scriptures, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn. 1:9).Unlike the king of Nineveh, you have no question whatsoever about how God will respond when you confess and cry out to Him for mercy. The answer is the cross and the empty grave. Because of what Christ has done, you, sinner, are forgiven (1 Jn. 2:2).

Sermon for Quinquagesima. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 35:3-7; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; and Luke 18:31-43.In our Gospel text, it is almost as if Jesus is going to walk around Jericho. Our text says that He is passing by (Lk. 18:36), but this this blind man keeps crying out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Instead of quietly marching around Jericho, Jesus stops. It’s like Christ can’t help Himself. Even in the cursed city of Jericho, Jesus doesn’t ignore cries for mercy because He is mercy embodied.He stops, stands still, and asks for the blind man to be brought to Him. There, in the wicked city, King Jesus, the Son of David, makes a kingly offer, “What do you want me to do for you?”Think of all the times throughout the Scriptures, a king will be pleased with someone and make an offer, “Ask me for anything, up to half my kingdom, and I will give it to you.” Here Jesus doesn’t put any limit on the request, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man answers, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” A

Sermon for Sexagesima. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 55:10-13; Hebrews 4:9-13; and Luke 8:4-15.Through His Word, God gives you an honest and good heart. Yes, you are attacked by the devil, threatened by temptation, and seduced by the cares of this world. But by God’s grace, He will sustain you and continue to work on you through that same Word.

Sermon for Septugesima. The Scripture readings are Exodus 17:1-7; 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:5; and Matthew 20:1-16.The parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard is not about companies and businesses who have limited assets. This parable is about the kingdom of your God who has unlimited resources, and His vast resources are only outmatched by His incalculable mercy. There is only one vineyard and one master who is fair and just as well as being merciful and gracious like this. You can certainly return to the marketplace if you want, but there you will only find justice and no mercy. In the end, there is only One who has worked a full day’s shift – Jesus, the eternal Son of God. Jesus has borne the heat of the day. He has come and done the work you could not ever do. He has fully kept God’s Law and was perfectly obedient to God’s Commands. He willingly went to the cross got the wrath and punishment of sins that you deserve. For the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross (Heb. 12:2) for you, and you get Hi

Sermon for the Transfiguration of Our Lord. The Scripture readings are Exodus 34:29-35; 2 Peter 1:16-21; and Matthew 17:1-9.Christian, you are being transfigured (2 Cor. 3:18) into the same glory that Jesus had on the mountain. And God promises to bring about that transfiguration through His Word (2 Pet. 1:16-31).

Sermon for the third Sunday after Epiphany. The Scripture readings are 2 Kings 5:1-15a; Romans 12:16-21; and Matthew 8:1-13.Sin ruins things. It throws things off in the world makes the entire universe off-kilter. This is clear because it was only the one sin in the Garden that brought pain, strife, and death to all creation. Now, we’ve only known what it is to live in a world that is filled with the chaos of sin. But it is important for us to remember that when we sin and when we are sinned against, it is an injustice that brings further chaos and disorder to creation.When we see sin and injustice, we want to fix it. Since we are made in the image of God, we are like God and want to bring back the order and justice which has been disturbed because of that sin. That is what vengeance is. Vengeance isn’t a bad thing. We’ve gotten so used to vengeance being used in a negative way that we think vengeance is always evil. It can be, but look, God Himself here says, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” Throughout the

Sermon for the second Sunday after Epiphany. The Scripture readings are Amos 9:11-15; Romans 12:6-16; and John 2:1-11.The way John records this miracle, the groom is a necessary character, but he’s almost invisible. The groom doesn’t say or do anything except listen to the master of the feast call him an idiot for serving the good wine to guests who can’t appreciate it. He goes stumbling through the wedding feast unaware of what is happening behind the scenes and completely dependent on the prayers of others who interceded for him. The groom simply benefits from Jesus’ miraculous provision because of someone else stepping in bringing our problems to Jesus.I don’t think you and I can even begin to imagine how many millions of people have stepped in and prayed for us, maybe not by name, but with a general prayer that God has answered in a way that blesses you. If we could see how God answers those prayers through governing all of creation; commanding His angel armies to protect and defend us; and using His infi

Sermon for the Baptism of Our Lord. The Scripture readings are Joshua 3:1-3, 7-8, 13-17; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; and Matthew 3:13-17.

Sermon for Christmas Day 2022. The Scripture readings are Exodus 40:17-21, 34-38; Titus 3:4-7; and John 1:1-18.“When the goodness and loving kindness of our God and Savior appeared, He saved us” (Tit. 3:4-7). The loving-kindness in Greek is philanthropia, where we get our word ‘philanthropy’ – lover of man. God Himself is the ultimate philanthropist. He has appeared in the flesh of Jesus to love you by saving you.You aren’t saved by doing all sorts of good, righteous works. You are saved by God’s mercy through the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. And God pours His Holy Spirit out on you richly through Jesus Christ, your Savior.God has come to earth. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn. 1:14) – literally, He tabernacled among us. And by His tabernacling with us, He is made known.In Jesus God, makes Himself known as your Savior, your King, your Deliverer.

Sermon for Christmas Eve. The Scripture readings for tonight’s service are Isaiah 7:10-14; 1 John 4:7-16; Luke 2:1-20; and John 1:1-5, 9-14, 16-18.The message of the angel that first Christmas night is for those shepherds. A Savior has been born to them. But that good news will spread over the days, years, and centuries. This good news of great joy will be for allpeople. This good news is for all people, but please know that it is for you specifically, in the same way it was for the shepherds that night.If that angel was here tonight, he would say directly to you, “I bring you good news of great joy… unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” Don’t get lost in the broad scope this announcement. It isn’t as though this Savior is born for all people, and since you’re part of ‘all people,’ I guess, you’re included. No! Unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Maybe some Christmas Eve, I’ll just preach to each of you individually. But the sermon would be the same for everyone. “Unto you is born a

Sermon for the 4th Sunday of Advent. The Scripture readings are Philippians 4:4-7 and John 1:19-29.“Let your reasonableness (the Greek word there is pronounced epieikēs) be known to everyone” (Php. 4:5). There really isn’t a good English word for epieikēs, which is utterly unfortunate. Other translations will use words like gentleness, graciousness, and moderation, but they only convey part of the word’s meaning. The ‘reasonableness’ – the epieikēs – refers to strength that doesn’t have a need to prove anything to other people because that strength is accompanied with a gentleness and meekness. We could compare it to a football player scoring a touchdown, calmly handing the ball to the ref, and heading to the sidelines to get ready for the next play because the player is confident and humble enough to know that he has the strength and ability to find his way back in the endzone again. Because of what Christ has done for us in His death and resurrection we can, “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Php. 4:4). Jesus ha

Sermon for the 3rd Sunday of Advent. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 40:1-8; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; and Matthew 11:2-11.John longed for reassurance, “Are you the Coming One, or shall we look for another?” The question is on the edge of being rude. Basically, John is complaining that Jesus is taking too long and isn’t being the Messiah that John imagined He would be. We could almost translate John’s words, “If You’re the Coming One, hurry up and get going, or we’re going to look for another.” Jesus is patient with His answer. He doesn’t say, “Yes, I am the Coming One. Just give Me a minute.” Instead, Jesus tells John how He is coming. “The blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by Me.”Jesus knows what He is doing. He will work all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Ro. 8:28). Christ comforts John wi

Sermon for Midweek Advent 2 Vespers Service. The Scripture readings for tonight are Psalm 121; Proverbs 3:1-8; and John 1:43-51.Like Philip, you too have found the Messiah, the Savior and Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Well, probably more accurately you have been found by Him. Jesus came and found you lost and dead in your sin. He has raised you to new life, given you the forgiveness of all your sins, and gifted you with the Holy Spirit so that you are now God’s temple (1 Cor. 6:19).Philip wants nothing more than to share this good news with his friend Nathanael, but Nathanael doesn’t jump on board right away. He’s more interested to stay in the shade of his fig tree than meeting someone from Nazareth. But Philip doesn’t give up. He doesn’t argue with Nathanael. Philip simply says, “Come and see.” And Nathanael saw.Without any pleasantries exchanged between them, Jesus knows Nathanael and who he is. As Nathanael walks up to Him, Jesus says, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no d

Sermon for 2nd Sunday of Advent. The Scripture readings are Malachi 4:1-6; Romans 15:4-13; and Luke 21:25-36.Of all the passages of Scripture describing Christ’s return, this one (Lk. 21:25-36) might be the most encouraging and reassuring because it puts perspective on all the evil that surrounds you. The signs Jesus mentions are signs for you to straighten up. In other words, while the world and all creation crumbles around you, you are to raise up your heads because your redemption is drawing near.This fallen, sinful world is walking straight into a trap that will devour them and be their end. But not you. For you, Christian, you who have been redeemed by Christ, Jesus’ return is no trap. It is your great hope and expectation. It is your liberation. It is the day of your deliverance and eternal freedom.We don’t like it when the world seems to be coming apart at the seams. Our fear probably lies in the fact that this world is all we have experienced and known. So, when we see it falling apart at an alarming

Sermon for Midweek Advent 1 Vespers Service. The Scripture readings are Psalm 139:1-12; Romans 10:8b-18; and John 1:35-42a.Evangelizing others doesn’t need to be super organized, flashy, or gimmicky. In fact, it probably works better when it isn’t. Evangelizing is simply having our eyes opened by Jesus, sitting under His teaching, and inviting others to come and see for themselves who this Jesus is. You’ve heard me say it before, but I’ll say it again: Eighty-six percent of Christians started attending church because a friend invited them. In other words, invite your friends to come here. Get them in the door and in the seats. Then let Jesus do His work on them through His Word. That’s it!Andrew followed Jesus because he heard the Baptizer say, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” But Jesus is the One who sought and saved Andrew by His sacrifice on the cross. Jesus is the God who comes to us. He brings us into His fold with His invitation, “Come and see.” And Christ teaches us giving us eyes to see. Then we, in turn, j

Sermon for the Last Sunday of the Church Year. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 65:17-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 ; and Matthew 25:1-13.Why did all ten virgins need to have lit lamps? Was it really that important? Apparently, yes. In the parable, not having oil to keep a lamp lit makes the difference between being in the feast and being left out. In fact, according to Jesus, having oil makes a person wise, and not having oil makes a person a moron. That’s literally the word Jesus uses; the word translated ‘foolish’ in our text is the Greek word μωρός where we get our word ‘moron.’Now is the time to fill your flasks with oil! You do not know how much oil you will need. The five morons realized their foolishness and knew they needed oil as soon as the cry went out. They weren’t surprised at the necessity of oil. Everyone knows they need it. So, get it now. Why, why would you ever think you have enough oil? The oil isn’t expensive – in fact it’s free! But you don’t have eternity to get the oil. There is a deadli

Sermon for Trinity 22. The Scripture readings are Micah 6:6-8; Philippians 1:3-11; and Matthew 18:21-35.Jesus said to Peter, “No, forgiving seven times isn’t enough. Instead, seventy-seven (or it could also be translated ‘seventy multiplied by seven’) times.” Now, Jesus doesn’t mean that you forgive and forgive and forgive, but when you get either to 76 or 489 forgivings (sic) you warn the other person, “Listen, you’ve only got one forgiveness left.” Nope, let the forgiveness flow freely.God wants to be known for His goodness. God wants to be known by His mercy. God wants to be known for His willingness to freely forgive. And if you refuse to forgive those who have sinned against you, what does that say about your God and King?The cure for our unforgiveness is to have a right understanding the massive debt that each of us owe to God. When we wrongly think that have only a little debt of sin, we can only have a little Savior.Sin – all sin – is against God (Ps. 51:4; 1 Cor. 8:12). Every day, you rack up an unim

Sermon for All Saints' Day (Observed). The Scripture readings are Revelation 7:9-17; 1 John 3:1-3; and Matthew 5:1-12.Our translation of each of the Beatitudes, begins with the word ‘blessed.’ It’s a good translation, but it might leave us with a superficial and limited understanding because people speak about being ‘blessed’ in very shallow ways. Today, when people talk about being blessed, they are typically saying that good things are happening to them, and those good things are obvious to everyone. But the status of those whom Jesus declares to be ‘blessed’ are not things that we usually consider to be blessings.The word Jesus uses that gets translated as ‘blessed’ refers a state of being that is happy (in fact the word Jesus uses here is how the Greek translation of the Bible translates the Hebrew word ‘happy’). But even the word happy falls short because the word Jesus uses also means joyful, at peace with God and the world, and content. This blessedness ultimately refers to being what you are meant to